Glenowen Court Wins Bronze at the EAC Housing for Older People Awards.

Glenowen Court Wins Bronze at the EAC Housing for Older People Awards.

1 June 2010

Glenowen Court has won an EAC Housing for Older People Award for providing an excellent home, lifestyle and services to the residents who live there. And, in these times when care facilities get such bad press coverage, the manager, staff and residents think it is wonderful that some of the great work going on in the social care sector has been recognised and rewarded.

The Housing with Care Scheme in Andersonstown, West Belfast, is owned by Fold Housing Association and has been in operation since 1994. It has recently undergone a substantial refurbishment to communal areas to improve the living spaces for residents. It was the residents who live in Glenowen Court who nominated the scheme for this award. Residents had to comment on areas such as the range of care services, the design of the building, the staff and management, involvement in decision making and remaining part of the local community. This award was sponsored by government and open to all retirement and care schemes in the UK. A total of 542 establishments made submissions and only 33 made the finalists list. Because of the wonderful comments the residents wrote in their submission, Glenowen Court won a Bronze award in "Best Housing with Care Scheme" category!

The residents are absolutely thrilled. Ann O\'Hare thinks the award is "great – it is great that our home has been recognised as an excellent place to live – because it is!"

Rosaline Kelly, Scheme Manager is also delighted. "I have worked here for almost 15 years, and some of the staff have worked here since before the first resident arrived! It is wonderful for them to have their hard work and commitment recognised. Glenowen Court is a well established part of the local community. Anyone in the social care sector will know that we are a highly regulated and inspected service. The twice yearly inspections by the Northern Ireland Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority have consistently noted the high standards of care and support, and the dedication of all staff. Belfast City Council has graded the catering service as 5 stars – the highest score attainable.

This is a very special award because it is the voice of our residents speaking loudly and clearly – they love where they live!!"